Hey gang, since I can't seem to find this out-of-print book, I was wondering if anyone could tell me what specific modifications/techniques were used on the Sig Smith Miniplane? The kit is in the mail, and this will be the most advanced build that I have attempted (I don't want to screw it up!!). Any help, advice, warnings, random ramblings etc. from someone who has built one of these neat little bipes would be greatly appreciated.

BTW, crazy as it may sound- I'm nuts for multi-cylinder 4-strokes. I'm contemplating putting the Saito 90TS up front [sm=spinnyeyes.gif][sm=cool.gif]


Thanks!

I seem to recall that Higley used the example of the Sig Smith Miniplane to illustrate [the building] of the particular type of cabane that Sig used on this and some other models. He seemed to approve of its design. However, he did say that some of the Miniplanes he had seen fly, had an initial climbing tendency. Instead of trimming this out on his own model with an element of down elevator he gave the upper wing some very slight negative incidence [as opposed to the zero incidence the plans apparently require].

Having said all that let me underline that I have not built this model, myself. Just giving a recollection in case it's of use to you. Can't think of anything really radical that he suggested for the Miniplane, but others may know better.

Good luck.
Runway

..as an addendum to my reply above - keep an eye on Ebay for Higley's 'Bipes' it comes up from time to time.

Good luck.
Runway

Thanks, Runway. [8D] I was actually figuring on going with -1 degree on the top wing, as well as giving the airplane (4) aileron control surfaces.

The four ailerons is one of the keys to making the Smith A great little stunt plane. On the ground it's A hand full!!!! The other thing I found with it was they come out very tail heavy by the plans so you can lighten it up back there. I went from A OS 46 to the OS 70 FS and it ballanced out better and had great gobbs of power. Good luck and have fun.

Gray Beard- Oh, it will be fun- muahahaha!

I was worried about how heavy my chosen engine was going to be- no longer. The Saito FA90-TS is 5oz heavier than the O.S. 70 Surpass II, so if need be I will move the battery towards the rear. Can't wait to hear my first two-cylinder purr!

As far as the ailerons go, any tips for construction? The simplest way would be to run a pushrod from the lower surface to the upper one, but I'm very tempted to try 1 servo per wing, with torque rods in each surface. I could really hide the servos and wires that way, and it works out to the same amount of work per servo. And no ugly exposed pushrods.

As far as it being a handful on the ground, all I can say is I bet it is! Its a shorty, all right. I'm already having flashbacks of my primary instructor saying "right rudder, right rudder!" The build will start soon....